QRZ! Ham Radio 5/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 5.iso/digests/infoham/941102.txt

Internet Message Format | 1994-11-13 | 24.8 KB

Date: Fri,  7 Oct 94 09:09:31 PDT
From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup <[e-mail]>
Errors-To: [e-mail]
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Precedence: List
Subject: Info-Hams Digest V94 #1102
To: Info-Hams


Info-Hams Digest            Fri,  7 Oct 94       Volume 94 : Issue 1102

Today's Topics:
                                (none)
                       * SpaceNews 10-Oct-94 *
                    1/2" CATV hardline connectors?
                 2-meter multimode FOR SALE (3 msgs)
               2nd Floor Ground or No Ground? (2 msgs)
                   APOLOGIES FOR POSTING "FOR SALE"
                           attach to EARTH
                 FOR SALE: 2-meter Multimode (REPOST)
                        FT-290R Mk II FOR SALE
                  Help identifying some SMT devices
                      how do you study for code?
                   Interference with a garage door
                        LIMARC Hamfest Oct 16
                         Looking for Hamfests
              Looking for Tech Exams in the Wash DC area
             Wanted: Radio-Modems with range > 100 miles?
                 Where Do I Send My Renewal Form????

Send Replies or notes for publication to: <[e-mail]>
Send subscription requests to: <[e-mail]>
Problems you can't solve otherwise to [e-mail].

Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available
(by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives/info-hams".

We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text
herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official
policies or positions of any party.  Your mileage may vary.  So there.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 7 Oct 94 13:23:21 GMT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: (none)

subscribe

------------------------------

Date: 7 Oct 94 15:16:57 GMT
From: [e-mail] (John Magliacane)
Subject: * SpaceNews 10-Oct-94 *

SB NEWS @ AMSAT $SPC1010
* SpaceNews 10-Oct-94 *


BID: $SPC1010


                               =========
                               SpaceNews
                               =========


                         MONDAY OCTOBER 10, 1994


SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA.  It is
published every week and is made available for unlimited free distribution.


* FO-20 NEWS *
==============
FO-20 was switched back into analog mode on a 14:30z pass of 28-Sep-94,
and it is not known whether it was a result of ground command or not.
The command station announced that the "Mailbox software ran away and
malfunctioning of UVC (Under Voltage Control) was confirmed by command
station.  FO-20 will remain in Mode JA until 10 Oct.'94."

[Info via Kazu, JJ1WTK]


* NASA SPACELINK *
==================
For info on the upcoming Shuttle flight and other current NASA activities,
look under "Hot Topics" on NASA's Spacelink BBS.  The BBS is located in
Huntsville, Alabama, USA, and may be reached at 1-205-895-0028.  Internet
users may access the system via the TCP/IP address of 192.149.89.61.

The updated Spacelink system fully supports the following Internet services:

 World Wide Web        http://spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov
 Gopher                spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov
 Anonymous FTP         spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov
 Telnet                spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov

[Info via N5IST & N7PTM]


* REMINDER *
============
SpaceNews is a non-commercial electronic publication serving the interests
of Amateur Radio Operators and is available for unlimited distribution
provided no charge is made for its access.

SpaceNews has been distributed on the Amateur Packet Radio Network for
seven years, and has recently been made available via the AMSAT-OSCAR-16
satellite file server.  It is also available via the Internet by using the
command "finger [e-mail]".

Archives of past issues are available via anonymous FTP at pilot.njin.net
in the /pub/SpaceNews sub-directory.  Other sub-directories have been
allocated for ham-related software, GIF images, and text information files.


* THANKS! *
===========
Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation to SpaceNews,
especially:

  KX1S    WA1SOV    ZL1MO    N2TTT    N2YQC    G3XGY    KD7AI    HS0ZBO
  David Desrocher   Daniel Robino


* FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED *
===========================
Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any
of the following paths:

FAX       : [phone]
PACKET    : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
INTERNET  : [e-mail] -or- [e-mail]
SATELLITE : AMSAT-OSCAR-16, LUSAT-OSCAR-19

MAIL      : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD
            Department of Engineering and Technology
            Advanced Technology Center
            Brookdale Community College
            Lincroft, New Jersey  07738
            U.S.A.


       <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>>

/EX

--
John A. Magliacane, KD2BD   * /\/\ * Voice   : 1-908-224-2948
Advanced Technology Center  |/\/\/\| Packet  : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA
Brookdale Community College |\/\/\/| Internet: [e-mail]
Lincroft, NJ  07738         * \/\/ * Morse   : -.-  -..  ..---  -...  -..

------------------------------

Date: 6 Oct 1994 13:58:26 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Steve Steinberg)
Subject: 1/2" CATV hardline connectors?

[e-mail] (David Krauss) writes:

>Kenneth L Florence ([e-mail]) wrote:
>: Hi All, can anyone give me some information on how to make homebrew connectors
>: for 1/2" CATV hardline? Pointing me  to a reference would be ok too. I
>: believe that you can use a barrel connector, a copper plubing fitting, and
>: whatever to do this, but would like the steps of how its been done.
>: 73 and Thanks de KA3PLS

>We'll, iv'e done it with just those items. get a copper reducer, and saw
>cut some notches in it so it can be clamped down. Strip the cable so
>there is enough center conducter sticking out to fit into the barrel.Put
>the barrel in one end of the fitting, and the cable in the other. Use
>small hose clamps to tighten everything down. If it's going to be
>outside, weatherproof the hell out of it. It ai'nt pretty but if done
>carefully, it works.

What do you mean by a barrel connector?  A UHF type bulkhead connector?

What do you do with the center conductor?  Just shove it into where the
center pin would go?

Can this be done with N connectors?

Inquiring minds want to know...


>--
>                                             [e-mail]
--
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
[e-mail]   Steve Steinberg             Radio Amateur Callsign: KB2RVE

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 17:33:10 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Paul H. Bock)
Subject: 2-meter multimode FOR SALE

[e-mail] (Paul H. Bock) writes:

     Sorry for the "FOR SALE" post.
>
>(|_|)  Paul H. Bock, Jr. K4MSG     Internet: [e-mail]
> | |)  Telephone: [phone] x2062 (work)
>                  [phone]       (home)

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 17:27:57 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Paul H. Bock)
Subject: 2-meter multimode FOR SALE

[e-mail] (Paul H. Bock) writes:

     Sorry for the "FOR SALE " post.
>
>(|_|)  Paul H. Bock, Jr. K4MSG     Internet: [e-mail]
> | |)  Telephone: [phone] x2062 (work)
>                  [phone]       (home)

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 17:28:54 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Paul H. Bock)
Subject: 2-meter multimode FOR SALE

[e-mail] (Bob Snyder) writes:

>>>>>> "K4MSG" == Paul H Bock <[e-mail]> writes:

>    K4MSG> FOR SALE: Yaesu FT-290R Mk II 2-meter SSB/CW/FM multimode,
>    K4MSG> 25 w.  output, 10 memories, 2 VFOs, scan.  Absolutely mint,
>    K4MSG> new condition.  $500.00 brings it to your door.  Very nice
>    K4MSG> compact radio, but I prefer a HF rig & transverter setup.

>Please don't cross-post into the discussion groups.

>Bob

     Sorry for the "FOR SALE" post.

                             K4MSG     :-(

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 01:45:15 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Bill Turner)
Subject: 2nd Floor Ground or No Ground?

In article <36puci$[e-mail]>,
James Messer <[e-mail]> wrote:
>I've recently moved into a new house, and my shack is now on the 2nd
>floor.  This new location has provided me with few questions, one of
>which includes the ground for my rigs and antenna.
>
>Some folks say to keep a ground, even though the ground might be as
long
>as 40 feet.  Others say to do without a ground completely.
>
>Still others suggest using the existing ground that is used in the
>house's electrical system.  To confuse things further, I've also seen
the
>artificial grounds that are advertised in catalogs (MFJs, for
instance).
>
>So, what to do? What options do I actually have?  What are others
>on the 2nd floor doing?  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>
>73,
>James - KE4LAY


James, there are indeed evil spirits in the air, and some of them
will tell you to ground your rig if you want to get out.  Don't
listen to them.

Your RF belongs up in the air where it can radiate like the
Chief Op intended, not run through lossy earth like your neighbors
would prefer.  RF energy is expensive to generate - treat it like
the precious thing it is.  Never allow it to flow through anything
that soaks up power like plain 'ol dirt.

The only two reasons you need to "ground" your rig are for safety,
meaning 60 Hz, not RF, and for lightning protection.  DO heed the
advice of those who know about those things, but keep your RF away
from anything that dissipates instead of radiates and the DX will
come your way.

73, W7LZP


------------------------------

Date: Thu,  6 Oct 1994 03:26:47 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Dale Piedfort)
Subject: 2nd Floor Ground or No Ground?

Never ground to the electrical system of your house, will cause you
more grief than its worth.  A good ground should be as short as
possible to an 8 foot ground rod, in your case that will be next
to impossible.  MFJ does make an artificial ground that will give
you an adequate ground for your station.  Keep the leads away from
prying hands or you can get a good burn from them. This is one MFJ
product that will work for you.  For more details on a good ground
pick up a copy of the Amateur Handbook and go from there.
[e-mail]
ARS KB7UB

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 17:44:47 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Paul H. Bock)
Subject: APOLOGIES FOR POSTING "FOR SALE"

     Sorry!!!   :-(    Won't happen again.....

73 DE K4MSG

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 12:16:09 +0000
From: [e-mail] (Mike Gathergood)
Subject: attach to EARTH

Hi Alex,

> Does anyone know if there is an alternative to using a ground spike, or
> domestic radiator, to obtain an earth connection for my HF receiver? Are
> there other simpler ways to obatin an earth? Artificially? If you could help
> me, please drop me a note.

That's the second time this question has been asked this week in this news
group!

One solution is to cut a few quarter-wavelengths of wire, one for each of
your favourite bands, and connect them all together at one end. Connect
that end to the chassis of the receiver. Then drape the free ends around
room - no need to keep them straight. You could tack them to the skirting
boards and around doorframes, or simply spread them around under the
carpet.

Example lengths:

7 MHz   about 33'
10 MHz  about 23'
14 MHz  about 16'6"
21 MHz  about 11'6"
28 MHz  about 8'3"

Hope this helps.

73
Mike
G4KFK  (near Sunny Slough)


*************************************************************************
* The CQ Centre BBS * 01753 595468 and 01753 593524 * Fidonet 2:252/320 *
* Hundreds of Megabytes of Quality Software for Radio Amateurs and SWLs *
* Tel [phone] * Fax [phone] * Internet [e-mail] *
*************************************************************************

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 17:34:16 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Paul H. Bock)
Subject: FOR SALE: 2-meter Multimode (REPOST)

[e-mail] (Paul H. Bock) writes:

     Sorry for the "FOR SALE" post.

>(|_|)  Paul H. Bock, Jr. K4MSG     Internet: [e-mail]
> | |)  Telephone: [phone] x2062 (work)
>                  [phone]       (home)

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 17:32:20 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Paul H. Bock)
Subject: FT-290R Mk II FOR SALE

[e-mail] (Paul H. Bock) writes:

   Sorry for the "FOR SALE" post.

>(|_|)  Paul H. Bock, Jr. K4MSG     Internet: [e-mail]
> | |)  Telephone: [phone] x2062 (work)
>                  [phone]       (home)

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 02:25:13 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Bill Turner)
Subject: Help identifying some SMT devices

Can only answer part of your question:  Why all the resistors in
parallel?  Since parts have become so cheap and labor so expensive,
manufacturers have found it more expedient to parallel or series
components to create the value desired rather than spend the effort
to stock many different part numbers.  Two 10Ks = either a 5K or a
20K with no extra documentation at all.  Make it three or four or
more and the savings get even larger.  Granted, the purists will
complain about reliability when using more parts, but the reliability
of components run at low power these days is so much better than the
old days that it doesn't really matter.

Hope this helps.

73, W7LZP



------------------------------

Date: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 12:19:48 +0000
From: [e-mail] (Mike Gathergood)
Subject: how do you study for code?

Hi Mike,

> well the title says it all. please post or e-mail.

There are boatloads of excellent morse tutors for most types of computer.
Not sure where you are, but if you're in the UK try the BBS below where
you'll find dozens of tutors for the PC, a couple for the Amiga, one for
the Mac and one for the ST - all free and downloadable on the first call.

If you're outside the UK, add the access code, then 44, and drop the 0
(for USA, 011 44 753 595468).

73
Mike
G4KFK

*************************************************************************
* The CQ Centre BBS * 01753 595468 and 01753 593524 * Fidonet 2:252/320 *
* Hundreds of Megabytes of Quality Software for Radio Amateurs and SWLs *
* Tel [phone] * Fax [phone] * Internet [e-mail] *
*************************************************************************

------------------------------

Date: 6 Oct 94 12:05:24 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Joe Landis - Systems & Network Mgr)
Subject: Interference with a garage door

In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Jeffrey Herman) writes:
[...stuff deleted...]
> Hey, this might be the beginning of a new ARRL contest: WAG'D (for
> Worked All Garage Doors).
>
> SAG'D  would be all doors within a state
> CAG'D  would be all doors within a county
> FAG'D  for opening foreign doors
>
> Did I miss some?
 GAG'G - worked all U.K. garage doors.
Joe - AA3GN
--
Joe Landis - Systems and Network Manager - North American Drager - Telford, PA
[e-mail] - Ax25: AA3GN@WA3TSW.#EPA.PA.USA.NOAM - ampr: [44.80.8.153]
Counting the days til deer season!   Politically correct sig not available.

------------------------------

Date: 6 Oct 1994 13:54:42 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Steve Steinberg)
Subject: LIMARC Hamfest Oct 16

Sunday Oct. 16 there is a Hamfest sponsered by LIMARC (Long Island
Mobile Amateur Radio Club).  Although this is not an official
announcement I am a member of the club and didn't notice any other
postings on usenet so I thought I would pass the word.

Place: New York Institute of Technology, Long Island, NY

 Time: October 16 9:00 am

 Cost: $6 or $7, I can't remember which.  Sweethearts and Harmonics Free.

    New Equipment Vendors
    Free Radio Tune-up Clinic
    Free Parking
    Refreshments

Talk-in: w2vl 146.85/146.25 pl 136.5 (Wide Area Coverage)

If you need more info call me evenings at [phone].  It should
be a big one!  See you there.  Steve, kb2rve.

--
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
[e-mail]   Steve Steinberg             Radio Amateur Callsign: KB2RVE

------------------------------

Date: 6 Oct 1994 13:45:25 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Steve Steinberg)
Subject: Looking for Hamfests

[e-mail] (Donald Davis)  writes:

>JH>in the to arrive  mail]  Can anyone recommend a source of information
>JH>in the regarding hamfests  Southern NJ/NY/Eastern PA area?  I really
>JH>like going to these things -  but I just don't know how to find 'em.

How about the LIMARC Hamfest?  It's at the NY Institute of Technology
on Long Island on Oct 16.  Should be a big one!!

New equipment vendors will be there, Free tune-up clinic (for your
radio, not your car), free parking and refreshments.

Talk in in W2VL 146.85/146.25 PL 136.5.  W2VL has very wide coverage
and can be hit from areas adjacent to Long Island (parts of NJ, CT
and the Bronx and Manhattan).

Entrance Fee $6 or $7 (I can't remember which) with Sweatharts and
Harmomics Free!!!

If you need more info, e-mail me or call me at [phone] evenings.

Yes, I am a member of LIMARC and this is an advertisement :-)
--
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
[e-mail]   Steve Steinberg             Radio Amateur Callsign: KB2RVE

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 06 Oct 94 23:45:22 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Looking for Tech Exams in the Wash DC area

John:

    The Mt Vernon Radio Club conducts tests on the third saturday of each
month at the Lee District Rec Center south of Alexandria Virginia.  9am.  They
do a real good and friendly job.  If you need more details, Email me.

                Sincerely,

                Dave Tucker
                [e-mail]
                KD4RNG
                Alexandria, Virginia


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 19:08:07 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Utz Neiser)
Subject: Wanted: Radio-Modems with range > 100 miles?

can somebody give a hint where to get a pair of Radio-Modems
to connect a PC in the middle of nowhere to some
phone-line about 100 miles away?

We are a NGO in Brazil working in the field of demo-
cratization of information. In this sense we are looking
for some low cost equipment to allow as well persons far
away from civilisation the access to computer-networks
and BBSs.

Any hint with Mail, E-mail or Fax-number of manufacturer
appreciated.

Utz

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 06 Oct 1994 19:09:42 -0800
From: [e-mail] (Ed Velez)
Subject: Where Do I Send My Renewal Form????

In article <371pqk$[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (M. K. Hess) wrote:

> Help! I've just remembered that my ticket expired in the end of Aug.
> I've filled out my renewal form, with a photocopy of my old ticket.
>
> Now, where does it get sent????  The form has no mailing address. I
> live in York, PA. Does it go to Gettysburg? If so, whats the address?
>
> If anyone can help please drop me some E-mail at
> [e-mail]
>
> Thanks in advance
>
> N3EAQ

Send your FCC 610 form dated 11/93 to:
FCC
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 17:44:23 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Ed Hare (KA1CV))

References<36rn41$[e-mail]> <[e-mail]>, <phb.781361965@melpar>
Subject: Re: "How far" does 1 milliwat (and 1 watt) go?

Back when I actually found time to get on the air (I DID get to play in the
/125 event -- a blast!!!), I was using 250 milliwatts to get my Worked All
States award. One day I was chatting with a ham in Florida (sure wish I
remembered his call!), who was running 100 watts. When he heard I was 250
mW, he decided to drop power, too.

He cut back to 50 watts, whereupon I told him I couldn't tell the
difference. He then cut back to 10 watts, then 5 watts, then one watt. At
the latter I told him he was down to only 10 dB over S9! He then came back
to me at RST 579 and said that he couldn't even see his power meter moving.
I told him he was still Q5.

Then he told me to wait. About 15 seconds later he was in there, as weak as
I could imagine. I copied most of what he had to say, but told him he did
have to increase the power as he was only about Q3 and I was having a real
hard time. He came back with the CW HI HI, and told me that I had just
copied 5 watts into his dummy load.

I think we both learned something that day. :-)

73 from ARRL HQ, Ed
--
Ed Hare, KA1CV, ARRL Laboratory, 225 Main, Newington, CT 06111
203-666-1541 [e-mail]

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Oct 1994 04:28:35 GMT
From: [e-mail]

References<36rn41$[e-mail]> <[e-mail]>, <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: "How far" does 1 milliwat (and 1 watt) go?

In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (hamilton on BIX) writes:
> This talk of distance/watt records has me thinking:  it certainly
> isn't amateur stuff, but aren't all the real QRP records held by
> the space probes?  Voyager was transmitting back to earth out
> beyond Jupiter!  And wasn't that on only a few watts?
> 'Course, it DID take a hell of antenna back here.  I trust you've
> all seen pictures of Aracebo!

You don't even need Arecebo.  In the book FIRST CONTACT, author/hams
Cullers and Alschuler describe an amateur SETI station composed of a
3-4 meter dish, an ICOM 7000, a GaAs FET amplifier providing a system
noise temperature of about 100k.  With a digitizer board and a computer
software capable of Fourier Transform spectrum analysis you would have
a competent system.

The authors recommended using Voyager II (then at about 30 A.U.  from
Earth) broadcasting at 20 watts on 8 GHz as a test target! I wonder if
anyone actually did this?

Now when someone actually picks up ETI, that will probably set a few
interesting records.  ;@} And who said microwave wasn't good for DX? ;@}

--
Brett Breitwieser ([e-mail])
Clinical Hypnotherapist (Certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists)
Director, Axis Mundi: *Axis Mundi* as the Image of *Proto Phallos*
Member, Therapists for Social Responsibility

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 13:06:39 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Marshall Jose)

References<[e-mail]> <[e-mail]>, <371ds2$[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: 1/2" CATV hardline connectors?

>
> ...<many techniques for terminating hardline discussed>...
>

The only method which worked for me was to use an N male
connector intended for RG-8 or RG-214:

1. Using a 1/2" drill, enlarge the I.D. of the clamp nut (the thing
that normally slips over the jacketed coax and threads into the
back of the connector) to 0.500" (for 1/2" hardline).

2. Buy a 1/2" compression ring from the hardware store and, using
some precise tool like a Dremel with cutoff wheel, cut the ring
diagonally. This cut will allow reasonable force to compress the ring
onto the aluminum hardline without too much deformation.

3. Prepare the hardline by stripping the outer shield and foam back
1/8" from the center conductor.

4. Patiently file down the center conductor's diameter until it will
permit the N connector's center pin to be soldered on. Solder it.

5. Put it all together.

This technique gives good electrical performance but will not
grip the hardline mechanically very well. Make sure the weight
of the hardline is borne by something other than the connector.

Also, aluminum and copper/brass/bronze get along poorly (they
corrode each other). Be sure to sand and clean all surfaces which
will contact dissimilar metals, and lightly coat these surfaces
with silicone grease or such (the hardware store has this sort of
goop for people with aluminum wire in their houses). Some sort
of butyrate weather coating (such as ScotchKote) on the outside
will also help keep moisture out, as will self-vulcanizing
rubber tape (such as Scotch 23).
Marshall Jose, WA3VPZ
[e-mail]

------------------------------

End of Info-Hams Digest V94 #1102
******************************